General Hospital’s Tamara Braun (Carly) has a major fan — Maurice Benard (Sonny). “I think she’s wonderful,” praises Benard. From the star, Braun won the popular GH actor over.

“I screen tested with five girls,” says Benard, recounting the talent search to find who could replace Emmy winner Sarah Brown, who was vacating her role as Sonny’s completed wife Carly. “I told the producers I wasn’t going to give anything in the test unless the actresses made me.” The first three actresses were complete wipe-outs.

Meanwhile, Benard felt a spark with the fourth candidate. “It was Angel Boris,” reveals Benard.” Finally stepped up to plate. Then Tamara came in and busted me. I started to act.”

Since then, Benard continues to hit home runs with Braun as they experience the most traumatic time of their lives. “Tamara filled some big shoes,” enthuses Benard. Meanwhile Boris’ screen test inspired executive producer Jull Farren Phelps to create a role especially for her– as the mysterious Angel.

“There’s some good stuff coming up,” Benard teases, but says he doesn’t want to rush the potential romance with Angel.”